Computer randomly freezes EVERYTIME

jeffrkim · 03 Mar 2011

Hello, I recently upgraded my hardware... and reinstalled windows 7.

Original hardwares:
ASUS M4A78-E
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition 3.0GHZ

I changed the following hardwares:
500GB WD 7200rpm > 120GB OCZ SSD
4x1024 DDR2 > 2x4096 DDR2
GeForce 9800GT > XFX Radeon HD 6950
Original CPU Cooler > Corsair H50
ULTRA LS 500W > OCZ Mod Xstream-Pro 700W
Motherboard BIOS flashed

I installed windows 7 64bit Ultimate edition. Installed graphic driver via online, and other drivers via windows update. And when I started installing google chrome and other programs, all the blank screen started to show up.

At first, the screen just went to blank black.
Later, some vertical orange/white strips appeared.
Then, some kind of blue screen popped up.
Every time, music stops, and everything stops. It takes about 10 minutes or so, when all the freezing happens - totally random.

So I did some research - and saw a thread about "driver verifier."
After I set it up, BSOD just appears every time when I boot up - even before typing password to log on. I tried booting with safe mode - and got this message.

Problem Event Name: Blue Screen
OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.1
Locale ID: 1033
BCCode: c9
BCP1: 0000000000000006
BCP2: 0000000000000103
BCP3: FFFFF9800EFF6EE0
BCP4: 0000000000000000
OS Version: 6_1_7600
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 256_1

Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\030211-12651-01.dmp
C:\Users\sharKy\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-822078-0.sysdata.xml

I am not even sure what to do... Windows 7 I installed never had problem on other computers. Also, for some reason, I couldn't get CPU Temperature via CPU-Z or any other windows applications. (only on mobo)

I think its the ATI driver thats getting me crazy.. but I am not sure.

Please help me... So sad my new desktop cant just work right now :<

Thank you.

Jonathan_King · 03 Mar 2011

I'm seeing very few errors; there is little to work on, but we can give it our best shot.

Could you try replacing the new ATI card with the old nVidia one? From the way you describe the problem, it sounds like a hardware problem; that would also explain why so few errors were recorded.

Run Memtest86: RAM - Test with Memtest86+

Also, run Furmark on the ATI card: Video Card - Stress Test with Furmark

Finally, run all three Prime95 tests: https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...t-prime95.html

jeffrkim · 03 Mar 2011

Thank you for your tips. I tried replacing with nVidia, and everything seems fine. No crash what-so-ever.. so it definitely is the graphic card problem. I will do the three test asap and get the result. But quick question: I am mixing two kind of ram. can that cause such problem?

Jonathan_King · 03 Mar 2011

Mixing RAM can definitely cause problems; I'd recommend you run Memtest86 on all sticks together: RAM - Test with Memtest86+

In my opinion, the stability of multiple brands of RAM lies more in the speed and latency rating of the sticks than than the actual brand name, so if the sticks all have the same specs, I suspect there's a good chance you'll be find. Still, I wouldn't recommend you go out and purchase new RAM if you're not having RAM problems.

I suggest you RMA the new card for a replacement. If you have another computer you can try the card in, it may be worthwhile to see if the problems exist there too.

jeffrkim · 04 Mar 2011

I do have totally different two sets of ram:
2x1024 OCZ - OCZ SLI-Ready Edition Dual Channel 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Memory (2 x 1024MB) at TigerDirect.com
and 2x4096 Patriot. - Newegg.com - Patriot Signature 4GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model PSD24G8002
The first two set doesnt say anything about voltage or latency... but I tried just using two rams, each way, but crashing continued. And I am using all four with nvidia, and everything is fine. So I am assuming its the graphic card problem for sure.
So sad my new graphic card died right out of box :< I dont want to send it back and all... I am definitely going to try plugging it to my friends desktop tomorrow - see if it works. Until then, going to just stick with my good old 9800GT.
Thank you, and I will bring the results for all the test ASAP

Jonathan_King · 04 Mar 2011

The latency of the first set is 4: 4-4-4-15-1T

Latency of the other is 6.

You can't argue with results; I wouldn't purchase that setup myself, but nor would I recommend immediate action since you are not having RAM problems.

jeffrkim · 04 Mar 2011

hmm.. i just ran furmark, just like you told me to. I changed to 4x1024 same ram just to make sure ram is not causing any problems... First time, when I hit "go!" the screen went to blank skyblue with no response. I reboot, rerun the test, and it was just fine. Went to more than 70000 frames, but stayed stable at 87 degree firm. The first time when it went to blank was somewhat scary... but it seems like graphic card is fine. I am approaching to a conclusion that probably the PSU is having a hard time? HD6950 uses two 6 module cable, while 9800GT only uses one. the OCZ Mod Extreme 700W might be not good enough? or may be is malfunctioning? Anyway... I am going to try putting other stress test.

Jonathan_King · 05 Mar 2011

Well Jeff, I'll be completely honest with you: I don't know if I have ever seen a bad video card diagnosed by using Furmark. If it came down to whether you would RMA the video card or purchase a new PSU, I would recommend the former. If you have access to a better PSU, however, it may be worth a try.